FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE AND
CONSUMER SERVICES
DIVISION OF FORESTRY
HURRICANE ANDREW URBAN
REFORESTATION PLAN
SUBMITTED BY: FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES, DIVISION OF
FORESTRY
SEPTEMBER 16,
1992
PREPARED IN RESPONSE TO
MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION
FEMA - 955-DR-FL
1.0
INTRODUCTION
The extensive damage to trees on public and private
property which occurred in South Florida as a result of the landfall of
Hurricane Andrew on August 24, 1992, has left the area virtually treeless with
remaining trees posing possible safety risks. Initial surveys by the University
of Florida conducted in the hardest hit areas indicate that as much as 100
percent of the tree canopy was destroyed. In addition it is apparent that
pre-hurricane species composition and planting practices in urban and suburban
areas resulted in extensive and unnecessary tree losses and associated property
damage.
Both aerial and ground examination of tree damage
revealed that poorly-formed and poorlymaintained native trees and numerous
exotic tree and palm species broke apart or were uprooted by the storm. This
resulted in additional damage to structures, utilities, obstructed roadways and
canals, and an increased the threat to human lives.
Before Hurricane Andrew, the urban forest in South
Florida contributed to the public well-being by providing many economical and
social benefits. Many areas used trees and palms to create a tropical
atmosphere in support of the local tourism industry. In this warm sub-tropical
climate, trees provided shade resulting in lower cooling bills for both
commercial and residential buildings. Trees provided social continuity that
defined and held together local communities. Glare reduction, area
beautification, soil stabilization, "backyard" tropical fruit production and
stress reduction were all benefits provided by South Florida's urban and
community forest.
Without a proactive education campaign, many communities
and individuals in South Florida may be reluctant to replant missing and
destroyed trees or may unknowingly recreate an urban forest of the same
pre-hurricane species composition and quality with the same inherent
weaknesses. A well-planned and coordinated planting program will advert this
situation and result in the creation of a safer and healthier urban
forest.
It is essential that, without delay, a strategy be
implemented to educate public leaders and private individuals so that
restructuring and replanting of the urban forest can take place in an
orderly and timely manner. Without additional resources the Division of
Forestry will be unable to significantly contribute to the re-establishment of
South Florida's urban forest.
2.0 ORGANIZATION,
OPERATION, AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT
2.1 ORGANIZATION AND
STAFFING
The Division is a Line-Staff organization where
line has the responsibility for carrying out all Division programs of
protecting and managing Florida's tree resources. The staff function provides
planning in program areas, develops policy and procedure and assists the line
organization with technical expertise. The staff also provides control through
program audits and field inspections.
2.2 ANDREW-URBAN
REFORESTATION ORGANIZATION
The Urban Reforestation Information and Education
Coordinator and the Urban Reforestation Technical Assistance Coordinator will
report to the Everglades District Manager. The district organization will be
responsible for the planning and supervision of day-to-day activities.
|
2.21 URBAN REFORESTATION
INFORMATION AND EDUCATION COORDINATOR
The Urban Reforestation Information and Education
(I&E) Coordinator will be responsible for administering the information and
education program. The I&E program will include press releases, public
service announcements, mailings to residents, distribution of reforestation
material, school and civic programs, Arbor Day and volunteer tree planting
programs, distribution of TV and radio spots and the solicitation of trees and
funds for the reforestation effort. All I&E materials will be produced in
both English and Spanish. Technical guidance will be provided by the Forest
Management Bureau.
2.22 URBAN REFORESTATION
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR
The Urban Reforestation Technical Assistance
Coordinator will be responsible for administering the service component of the
Urban Reforestation program. Technical assistance will consist of training for
appropriate public personnel, workshops for private organizations and groups,
planning assistance for community leaders, organization of community tree
planting programs, recommendations of tree species selection, organization of
promotion tree and seedling sales, and development of guidelines for selection
of arborists and quality nursery stock. Technical guidance will be provided by
the Forest Management Bureau.
2.23 URBAN REFORESTATION
STAFF LOCATION
The Urban Reforestation staff will be located in
south Dade County. Office space will need to acquired to support the
program. |
2.3 PROIECT
DURATION
FEMA funding will determine the length of the
project. The Florida Division of Forestry will request funding to continue for
a period two years since the tree damage associated with Hurricane Andrew is
extensive. The projected ending date is September 30, 1994. |
3.0 PRIORITIZATION OF PROIECT
ACTIONS
3.1 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
(FIRST PRIORITY)
Educate the public -- local governments and private
citizens have begun immediate action on public grounds and private residents to
correct tree damage as a result on Hurricane Andrew. Information is needed on:
1) chainsaw safety, 2) safety hazards when clearing debris, 3) debris disposal,
4) selecting a qualified arborist and 5) equitable vendor prices. Newspaper
releases and radio/TV spots will be developed for homeowners on pruning,
straightening small uprooted trees and immediate tree care needs. oral
presentations will be made to local service organizations, organized volunteer
groups and civic associations concerning immediate tree needs and
safety.
Consult with Community leaders -- leaders of
communities in the heavily impacted areas will need immediate guidance in the
development on an interim working plan to restore the urban forest. An interim
plan will be used to avert further damage to the urban forest and set
priorities for an orderly re-establishment of the urban forest.
Train Municipal Personnel -- municipal personnel
dealing with tree removal, tree restoration and hazard tree identification will
need to be trained to manage with the special situations created by Hurricane
Andrew. Specific attention will be given to development of recommended list of
replacement and problem trees.
3.2 INTERMEDIATE ACTIONS
(SECOND PRIORITY)
Establish a Task Force of foresters, arborists,
utility foresters, Cooperative Extension Service personnel and others
(organized by the Division of Forestry) to plan replanting strategies. The Task
Force will develop a plan for funding, task assignments, implementation plans,
and involvement of local citizens and volunteer groups.
Work with the Florida Urban Forestry Council to
seek supplemental funding sources through the American Forests organization and
other national non-profit conservation groups.
In conjunction with the University of Florida,
complete a study to determine effects of Hurricane Andrew's varied wind
conditions on 30 of the major South Florida tree species. The information
gained from the survey will include a list of recommended trees as well as a
list of those trees causing the greatest damage.
3.3 LONG-TERM ACTIONS
(THIRD PRIORITY)
Host tree care workshops for municipal personnel
and private citizens on the identification of hazardous trees and proper tree
care and maintenance. This will involve a team approach utilizing tree care
experts from both South Florida and the Southeastern region.
Develop and print a handbook and companion brochure
for local governments and private citizens on proper tree planting techniques,
tree species and planting site selection tree care and maintenance. Promote and
coordinate municipal and volunteer tree planting programs utilizing desirable
tree species and quality planting stock. The tree planting goal will be to
establish (as a minimum) a canopy coverage on public lands equivalent to that
prior to Hurricane Andrew. In addition tree planting by private homeowners will
be emphasized through special promotional tree sales and
give-aways. |
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
AND CONSUMER SERVICES
DIVISION OF FORESTRY
HURRICANE ANDREW URBAN
REFORESTATION PLAN
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
AND CONSUMER SERVICES
DIVISION OF FORESTRY
BUDGET INFORMATION
|
The following budget information is presented in three budget
categories: personnel costs, expense and contractual.
| PERSONNEL COSTS* |
|
|
| Title |
FY93 |
FY94 |
|
|
|
| Urban Reforestation |
$ 2x,xxx |
$ 2x,xxx |
| I&E Coordinator |
|
|
|
|
|
| Urban Reforestation Technical |
$ 2x,xxx |
$ 2x,xxx |
| Assistance Coordinator |
|
|
|
|
|
| Secretarial/Clerical |
$ 7,000 |
$ 7,000 |
| (20 hrs/week at $7.00) |
|
|
|
|
|
| Total salaries/FY |
$ 5x,xxx |
$ 5x,xxx |
|
|
|
*Temporary positions do not
include fringe benefits. |
| EXPENSE |
|
|
|
|
|
Cost ($) |
| Units Required |
Equipment |
FY93 |
FY94 |
|
|
|
|
| 1 |
Office Space/Utilities (rental) |
12,000 |
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
| 2 |
Vehicles, utility type, 2x (lease) |
7,200 |
7,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
Vehicle, maintenance and repair |
500 |
500 |
|
|
|
|
| 1 |
Computer system (lease) |
2,000 |
2,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Office supplies |
2,000 |
2,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel (15,000 miles/yr/vehicle) |
2,500 |
2,500 |
|
|
|
|
| 2 |
Telephone/Long distance charges |
1,000 |
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Uniforms |
800 |
400 |
|
|
|
|
|
Printing and Reproduction |
5,000 |
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Postage |
1,000 |
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Hand tools |
500 |
500 |
|
|
|
|
|
Camera, 35mm |
600 |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
Film and developing |
200 |
200 |
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising |
3,000 |
3,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total expense |
38,300 |
37,300 |
|
|
|
|
| Total Program Cost |
$191,360 |
Return to: Chapter 6 - Approaches to Working
with Disaster Relief Organizations
|